Last summer a stop at Monticello gave me a chance to photograph the Balsam Impatiens growing in Thomas Jefferson’s garden. I have also seen them growing in the Old North Church in Boston. This year’s trip lead me to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Balsam Impatiens (right corner) are lining the garden bed. I often wonder who brought these plants to America and who passed the seeds along.

The Balsam Impatiens that I am growing in the Automatic Garden are originally from Mt. Vernon. I love these plants and blog about them often. They reseed themselves, germinate, and bloom twice a year in this climate.

Here is a shot of Mt. Vernon on the side facing the Potomac. I seem to visit these houses during renovations.